Research Documents Charter Schools’ Growth

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A new analysis of Minnesota school data finds charter enrollment nearly quadrupled in the past decade.

The analysis by the Center for School Change found enrollment at traditional schools fell 5 percent in the same period, though they still have many more students than charters.

Director Joe Nathan says the center has no position on which schools are better. He says he believes charter schools are growing because they offer distinctive programs parents want. Nathan also says he thinks some families are attracted to them because charters tend to be smaller, often cater to non-English speakers and have helped students of color improve performance.

Nathan says many traditional schools deserve praise for adopting distinctive approaches that have worked elsewhere.